Rating: - THE Peer Gynt
Sir Thomas Beecham was one of the giants in the "Golden Age of Conductors". In this famous recording he proves why. This familiar music has been recorded by numerous artists over the years but none has ever caught the real drama of the music like Beecham. The fact that this recording has never been out of print since it was first issued is a testament to its worthiness. If you do not now own the piece, buy this one. Even if you do own someone else's version, buy this one. You will not be disappointed. ... Read More

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Rating: - Terrific, authoritative Grieg collection from Beecham
Okay, I'll admit that I am not as familiar with Sir Thomas Beecham's conducting as I am with, say, Herbert von Karajan's or Leonard Bernstein's. I've heard a few stories about his wise-old-man demeanor on the podium, but of his actual recordings I have heard only a handful. This is the only disc of his that I personally own, but it is a beauty. The booklet notes talk about Beecham's dedication to Grieg's music, especially his lesser-known works; that dedication is apparent in all of these performances. Of all ... Read More

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Rating: - A CLASS ACT
Much as I dislike the word, it's simplest to use it - Beecham had class. I do not believe I can even think of anything he ever did badly, or anything that is lacking in grace and elegance. There is strength there too, and obviously a touch (or more than just a touch) of arrogance. He was no great enthusiast for Bach, Beethoven or Brahms, and it's hard not to suspect that this was at least partly because these gardens of the muses were particularly well-tended by so many others. He was impatient and easily exasperated ... Read More

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Rating: - One of the best of the series
These performances are so good they actually made me reconsider the music. Prior to hearing Beecham's recording the only Grieg that I found really enjoyable were his lyric pieces played by Emil Gilels - and frankly I wondered how much of that could be attributed to Gilels. Modern versions of his orchestral music always felt a little empty and, inevitably, failed to inspire repeated listenings. This recording is so alive, vibrant and emotionally communicative that it's now a firm and much listened to favourite. Also ... Read More

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Rating: - Well deserves its rosette award.
Beecham's recording of Grieg's Peer Gynt incidental music has been one of his most frequently reissued items since its first 1957 release. Purists and fuss-budgets might cavil at the vocal items being sung in German and the omission of two of the twelve items from the complete score, but there are enough merits to make this preferable to all other versions. The inimitable swagger, the tenderness, the beauty of phrasing, and the finely judged balancing of orchestral textures that Beecham could achieve are everywhere to ... Read More